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| Island people and island wildlife are particularly in danger from climate change, according to the new Hawaiʻi County Council resolution declaring a Climate Emergency. It was issued during National Wildlife Refuge Week. Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter. |
County Council Chair Aaron Chung blamed the crisis on worldwide overpopulation. Unless population is controlled, "its just gonna be a slow death, sorry to say....We must do our best to try to control it." The resolution calls for changing practices; not only to contribute to slowing climate change, but also for living with it.
The resolution points to findings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, calling for practices to temper global warming to reduce risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security, economic growth, and plant and animal life this century.
It mentions recent research indicating that warming is likely to accelerate in the next decade. It refers to last year's report from the U.S. Global Change Research Program, comprised of 13 federal agencies, which detailed "the massive threat that climate change poses to the American economy," and underscored "the need for immediate emergency action by every level of government to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other green houses gases."
 An ʻōpaeʻula, one of the most climate sensitive and endangered organisms in Kaʻū. This photo of the shrimp was posted on Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter feed, celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week. |
The resolution
states that warming, with destructive climate events, is already demonstrating
that "the Earth is already too hot for humanity to safely and justly
exist, as attested by increased and intensifying wildfires, floods, rising
seas, diseases, droughts, and extreme weather." It refers to the World
Scientists' Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice, which included "15,364
signatories from scientists representing 184 countries formally supporting the
work, declaring humans have pushed Earth's ecosystems to their breaking point,
and that we are well on the way to ruining the planet, as climate change and
the global economy's overshoot of ecological limits are driving the sixth mass
extinction of species, which could devastate much of life on Earth for the next
10 million years."
In the
resolution, the Hawaiʻi County Council declares that the United
States "has disproportionately
contributed to the climate and extinction emergencies, and has repeatedly
obstructed global efforts to transition toward a green economy, and thus bears
an extraordinary responsibility to rapidly address these existential
threats."
The resolution
says that "restoring a safe and stable climate requires a whole-of-society
Climate Mobilization at all levels of government, on a scale not seen since
World War II, to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors at
emergency speed, to rapidly and safely draw down or remove all the excess
carbon from the atmosphere, and to implement measures to protect all people and
species from the consequences of abrupt climate change."
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| Hawaiian green sea turtles live at Punaluʻu black sand beach, but nest in the northern Hawaiian Islands which have been devastated by recent hurricanes and are subject to rising waters due to climate change. Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter feed. |
It foresees that
"actions to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and/or draw down greenhouse
gases may include improving resilience to the effects of climate change, i.e.
targeting food security in our region that is a critical action in the face of
climate change, which will continue to place added pressure on existing food
and water resources."
The County
Council declares that "the safety and wellbeing of our citizens is the
prime directive of our local governments, and the cumulative impacts of climate
change upon Hawaiʻi will be particularly severe over the next several
decades."
The resolution
talks about islands being particularly at risk, with climate change impacts in
the Pacific Islands "expected to amplify existing risks and lead to
compounding economic, environmental, social, and cultural costs. In some
locations, climate change impacts on ecological or social systems are projected
to result in severe disruptions to livelihoods that increase the risk of human
conflict or compel the need for migration. Early interventions, already
occurring in some places across the region, can prevent costly and lengthy
rebuilding of communities and livelihoods and minimize displacement and
relocation."
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| Endangered birds are subject to rising waters that cover their nesting grounds. Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter |
The County
Council notes that more than 1,000 cities, districts, counties, and local
governments across the world representing over 221 million people
"collectively have declared or officially acknowledged the existence of a
global climate emergency and have committed to action to drive down emissions
at emergency speed."
In tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs, read the resolutions' plan for the County of Hawaiʻi to tackle the climate change problem.
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THIS IS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WEEK,
observed the second full week of October each year to celebrate the network of lands and waters that conserves and protects the wildlife heritage throughout the nation.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides vital habitat for thousands of native species, from marine mammals and sea turtles to endangered Hawaiian birds and bats.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THIS IS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WEEK,
observed the second full week of October each year to celebrate the network of lands and waters that conserves and protects the wildlife heritage throughout the nation.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides vital habitat for thousands of native species, from marine mammals and sea turtles to endangered Hawaiian birds and bats.
National Wildlife Refuges also support the economy. In carrying out the Refuge System's wildlife conservation mission, under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, wildlife refuges pump $3.2 billion per year into regional economies and support more than 41,000 jobs.
The Refuge System includes 567 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts covering 95 million acres. A National Wildlife Refuge close to Kaʻū is the Hakalau Forest. See fws.gov/refuge/hakalau_forest/
The Refuge System includes 567 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts covering 95 million acres. A National Wildlife Refuge close to Kaʻū is the Hakalau Forest. See fws.gov/refuge/hakalau_forest/
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| The ‘Amakihi is a protected native Hawaiian bird in the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge. USF&W photo |
AN INCREASING SUICIDE RATE AMONG NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS has drawn the concern of Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. senators on both sides of the aisle. A bipartisan group of senators is calling on the Department of Defense to address recent suicide reports gathered by DoD, which found a suicide mortality rate for the National Guard consistently higher than among Active Duty and Reserve members.
"We cannot continue to treat the National Guard as just another branch of the Active Army and Air Force while not paying special attention to their unique needs. We must ensure the National Guard has care and community that is comparable to the Active components," wrote the senators. "The National Guard maintains comparable operational tempos but lacks the support of a community that fully empathizes with their unique and sometimes isolating experience of being both soldier and civilian."
In a letter to the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the senators cited potential reasons for more National Guard suicides, from problems finding full time employment and a lack of access to quality mental health care- particularly in rural areas - to the institutional and conditional isolation from the broader military community.
Earlier this year, Hirono introduced the bipartisan Every Veteran in Crisis Act which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve oversight and evaluation of its suicide prevention media outreach campaigns. She previously cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act that became law in 2015.
The full text of the letter is available here.
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FOR THE LATE U.S. CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH CUMMINGS, FLAGS WILL FLY HALF-STAFF through tomorrow, Oct. 18. Gov. David Ige joined governors around the country to honor the congressman from Baltimore for his years of service in civil rights and social justice. He was known
for his civil tone and willingness to work with everyone.
Both the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag will fly at half-staff at the State Capitol, and upon all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, said Ige.
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| Elijah Cummings this summer introducing the Baltimore community to an urban park at the old location of an illegal garbage dump. Called Nature Play Space, its creation was co-sponsored by the National Wildlife Foundation and many community and educational organizations. Photo from Elijah Cumming's Facebook |
Before Cummings died at age 68 this morning at a Baltimore hospital, he signed numerous documents for gathering evidence for the inquiry to impeach Pres. Donald Trump. Cummings was the chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, and a member of congress since 1996.
Also known for promoting neighborhood nature parks for children, Cummings said this summer that outdoor spaces "bring life to life. Our children are the living messengers we send to a future we will never see, and it is so vital they have outdoor places like this to play right here in their community."
Presidential candidate and Kaʻū's congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard tweeted, "Very sad news this morning. My heart goes out to the Cummings family during this difficult time. Elijah Cummings dedicated his life to service and will truly be missed."
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ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS ARE INVITED to participate in the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parks' 2nd Annual Holidays at Kahuku, located at the Kahuku Unit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The vent will be held Saturday, Dec. 14. There is a $20 booth fee. For information on applying, call 808-985.7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates
Football, Division II:
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m. , Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m. , Kohala hosts Kaʻū
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals
Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
UPCOMING
FRIDAY, OCT. 18
Forest Restoration Project, Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30a.m.-3p.m., HVNP. 12+; under 18 require adult co-signature. Pre-registration required - include first and last names, email address, and phone number of each participant. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Dances of Universal Peace, Friday, Oct. 18, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
Food from Wood: Growing Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps & Wood Chips, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member; includes shiitake mushroom log kit and King Stropharia mushroom kit. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Free Haircut Day, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster. 12 slots available. Also, Free Shower Day and The Big Island Giving Tree to hand out clothes and various items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo/
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua with AKAUNU, Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu and ‘ohana, Saturday, Oct. 19, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Ka‘ū Skate Club Fundraiser for Kahuku Roller Rink in Ocean View: Dave Lawrence & Green Machines Concert, Saturday, Oct. 19, 4p.m., Tiki Mama's, Ocean View. Suggested donation of $15 per person for Ka‘ū Skate Club, plus one can of food for Hawai‘i Island Food Bank. Ka‘ū Skate Club President Lzena Barrett, 747-1147
Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 19, live music, pretzels and beer from 4p.m., dinner served 5-7p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad and more. Bring Cooper Center mug for $1 off beer; purchase one for $10. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
SUNDAY, OCT. 20
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Oct. 20, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo/
45th Anniversary: Party Like It's 1974, Sunday, Oct. 20, 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. More details to be announced. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
Nāʻālehu School Parent Conferences, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 23 and 24, Nāʻālehu Elementary School; Friday, Oct. 25, Ocean View Community Center
Lei Kukui Demonstration, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Make hīpu‘u - a style of lei making in which the steams and leaves of the Kukui tree are tied together - with rangers and staff. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/
THURSDAY, OCT. 24
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Thursday, Oct. 24, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Oct. 24 - fourth Thursday monthly - 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.
The last scheduled SpeakOut meeting will be held in Waikaloa, Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. , Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School.
Topic Workshops will be held in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m ; and Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.Topic Workshops will be held in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from
Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organized by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary school, the free event offers a haunted house, healthy recipes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and Trunk or Treat, where keiki and youth go from parked car to car, asking for treats.
For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.
Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21 .
Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org
Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale Holy Rosary Church Heart Church 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
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